Schismotivate MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
| Released | 2006-02-03 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Guildpact |
| Set code | GPT |
| Number | 129 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Ron Spencer |
Text of card
Target creature gets +4/+0 until end of turn. Another target creature gets -4/-0 until end of turn.
"I ran the experiment through the brain of a schizophrenic lab-goblin. My burners' flames fell asleep while the beakers jumped about and shattered. Success!" —Myznar, Izzet psychomancer
Cards like Schismotivate
Schismotivate joins the ranks of versatile instant spells in Magic: The Gathering that focus on temporarily boosting creature’s power. This ability places it alongside cards like Brute Force, which also gives a creature a significant power increase. Schismotivate, however, offers a unique dual boost, increasing both power and toughness, albeit targeting two different creatures. Brute Force, in comparison, concentrates its lift on a single creature.
Invigorating Surge is another card that exhibits resemblance, providing a power and toughness increase, along with an additional counters perk. Even though Invigorating Surge affects only one creature, the counters remain beyond the turn, unlike the temporary buff from Schismotivate. Another similar spell is Rush of Blood, which can massively increase a creature’s power for a turn, but contrasts with Schismotivate’s split enhancement on two targets, focusing instead on a singular forceful punch.
Evaluating within the scope of creature enhancement spells in Magic: The Gathering, Schismotivate occupies a special seat for its flexibility and the tactical advantages it introduces in multi-creature strategies, setting it apart from other single-target spells.
Cards similar to Schismotivate by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Schismotivate is a fantastic tool for gaining card advantage. By allowing you to draw additional cards, it can help you pull ahead of your opponent by providing more options for your next plays. This boost in card quantity can often translate to more strategic versatility and control over the course of the game.
Resource Acceleration: In MTG, maintaining momentum is crucial. Schismotivate aids in resource acceleration by potentially allowing a player to cast spells sooner than usual. This can lead to more formidable board states, overwhelming your opponent before they’re ready to defend themselves.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Schismotivate at instant speed adds a layer of tactical depth. You can optimize your mana usage by casting it at the most opportune time, such as during your opponent’s end step. This flexibility allows you to keep up the pressure while staying reactive to threats.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Schismotivate compels you to discard a card, a drawback when your hand is already depleted or if key cards are crucial for strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Its specific mana requirement of one red and one green makes it less flexible, potentially clashing with decks that don’t run these colors harmoniously.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The casting cost for Schismotivate may be seen as steep when compared to similar spells that either cost less or provide a greater impact on the game state.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Schismotivate is a flexible card that has the capability to be slotted into a variety of deck archetypes. Its unique ability to give a creature +4/-4 until end of turn can be applied both offensively to increase your creature’s power for a lethal swing, or defensively to diminish an opponent’s creature, potentially removing a threat from the board.
Combo Potential: Within combo-oriented decks, Schismotivate can serve as a key piece. It synergizes well with creatures that have effects when they deal damage or have their power increased. Its instant speed also allows for surprise interactions and plays that can catch an opponent unprepared.
Meta-Relevance: In a metagame where creature-based strategies are prevalent, having Schismotivate in your arsenal can significantly shift the tides of combat in your favor. Its capacity to alter creature stats instantaneously makes it a relevant choice for players looking to stay competitive and adaptable.
How to beat
Confronting Schismotivate on the battlefield can be quite the challenge for players of Magic: The Gathering. With its efficiency in providing a swift +4/-4 swing, it makes for a sudden and powerful shift in board presence during a game, often leading to a surprise knockout of an opposing creature or a lethal surge of damage to the opponent. Nevertheless, strategies exist to withstand this instant speed threat and maintain control over the game.
One effective tactic is to prioritize removal spells that can be cast in response to Schismotivate. Nimble and usually inexpensive cards like Path to Exile or Rapid Hybridization provide a smart counter, removing the target creature before Schismotivate can resolve. Similarly, counterspells such as Cancel or Mana Leak offer a direct denial, stopping the spell in its tracks and preserving your board state. It’s also wise to have creatures that cannot be targeted by abilities or spells—like hexproof or shroud bearers—as they utterly negate this type of targeted buff or debuff strategy.
Approached with the right techniques and a prepared deck, Schismotivate’s potential threat can be mitigated or even turned to your advantage. By anticipating it and countering effectively, players can ensure they don’t find themselves on the backfoot when the card hits the table. Adaptability, as always, remains key in the dynamic and strategic world of Magic: The Gathering.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Schismotivate MTG card by a specific set like Guildpact, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.
For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.
Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.
Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Schismotivate and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Schismotivate has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |